The Search for Planet 9: Unveiling the Mystery of Our Missing Neighbor

🔍The existence of Planet 9 in our solar system is still theoretical but supported by evidence.

🌌Finding Planet 9 would expand our knowledge of planetary formation, both in our solar system and others.

🔭Detecting Planet 9 is challenging due to its distance, faintness, and its likely emission in the far-infrared spectrum.

🪐Planet 9's estimated mass suggests it could be a rocky super Earth or a gaseous sub-Neptune.

⏳The search for Planet 9 requires advanced telescopes, precise calculations, and patience due to its long orbital period.

What evidence supports the existence of Planet 9?

—Planet 9's existence is supported by the behavior of Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) and their unusual orbits.

What would finding Planet 9 reveal about planetary formation?

—Discovering Planet 9 would provide insights into the formation and migration of planets in our solar system and other star systems.

Why is it challenging to detect Planet 9?

—Planet 9 is far from the Sun, reflects little light, and likely emits in the far-infrared spectrum, making it difficult to observe.

What would Planet 9's mass indicate about its composition?

—Planet 9's mass suggests it could be either a rocky super Earth or a gaseous sub-Neptune.

What is needed to locate and study Planet 9?

—Finding and studying Planet 9 requires advanced telescopes and precise calculations to accurately pinpoint its location in the vastness of space.

00:00Introduction to the ongoing search for Planet 9, an unseen world on the fringes of our solar system.

03:45Discussion on the different categories of planets in our solar system and where Planet 9 could fit in.

08:30Explanation of the challenges in detecting Planet 9, including its distant location and faintness.

11:55Exploration of possible origins of Planet 9, including interactions with other planets or capture from another star system.

16:40Overview of previous discoveries of planets based on orbital disturbances, highlighting the potential existence of Planet 9 in existing data.

19:20Discussion on the difficulties in searching for Planet 9, including the limited field of view of telescopes and distinguishing it from inanimate objects.

21:45Explanation of the need for more advanced telescopes and continued research to locate and study Planet 9.

25:10Conclusion and recap of the ongoing search for Planet 9 and its potential impact on our understanding of the solar system.